Progressive system and methods

ABSTRACT

The specification discloses a progressive gaming system having a central system, at least one prize, a progressive method, and at least one monetary transaction acceptor. The central system is adapted to associate the progressive method with the prize and the monetary transaction acceptor thereby allowing the monetary transaction acceptor to participate for the prize. The progressive method is adapted to determine a participation outcome based at least on the monetary transaction acceptor&#39;s contribution percent factor. The specification also discloses a progressive gaming system and methods having the ability to expand the participation base for a progressive prize to include a wide variety of monetary transaction acceptors. The progressive gaming system and methods may have the capability to accept a monetary transaction value in a plurality of currencies or a plurality of denominations of the same currency. The progressive gaming system and methods may support multiple prizes simultaneously. Each monetary transaction acceptor may be linked to one or more prizes.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/300,333, filed Jun. 22, 2001. This application is also acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/698,941, filed Oct. 27,2000. application Ser. No. 09/698,941 is a divisional application ofSer. No. 09/005,341, filed Jan. 9, 1998, which is now U.S. Pat. No.6,241,608. application Ser. No. 09/698,941 claims priority ofprovisional patent application No. 60/035/513, filed Jan. 15, 1997,application No. 60/040/982, filed Mar. 17, 1997, and application No.60/050/971, filed on Jun. 19, 1997.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to system and methods used to link devices toprizes and control the participation for prizes. More particularly, thesystem and methods enable devices that accept wagers, payments for goodsor services, or any other monetary transaction, and devices capable ofusing different currencies or using different denominations within aparticular currency to participate for common prizes.

BACKGROUND

Prior art related to progressive prizes generally utilize gaming devicesthat typically contain one or more games that can be played for variousprizes. Each game has a pay table that consists of one or more pay linesdefining all possible outcomes of one play of the game that can resultin awarding a prize to a player. A particular game's theoretical pay outpercentage, also known as payback percentage, can be mathematicallycomputed from the pay table. The computation compares the prize valuesfor each pay line and the odds the player has to win the prize, to thetheoretical sum of all wagers that would need to be played to reachevery possible outcome. These concepts are described in detail in Dwightand Louise Crevelt's book VIDEO POKER MANIA!!

The theoretical pay out of different gaming devices may varyconsiderably. This is particularly true when the class of gaming devicesinclude games such as 21, keno, bingo, roulette, and others where thetheoretical pay out is dependent on items such as a deck of cards, theselection of a set of numbers from a superset, etc.

When a gaming device is linked to a progressive prize it istraditionally expected to contribute a portion of its wagers to theprogressive prize. In all known prior art, the contribution percentfactor is a part of the progressive prize's attributes. This results inthe same contribution percent factor being applied to the wagers made onevery linked gaming device.

From the perspective of the progressive prize, the sum of all the wagersmade on all the linked gaming devices for each theoretical prize awardis known as the prize's total wager amount. The contribution percentfactor represents the portion of the prize's total wager amount thatthen determines the progressive prize value. For example if the averageprize award were anticipated to be $1,500,000 and the percentage ofwagers used to support the prize value were 1.5%, then the prize's totalwager amount needed to support the prize value would be $100,000,000. Inthis example, any gaming device linked to this prize would need a payline that has a total wager amount of $100,000,000, the pay line's totalwager amount being the product of the wager value times the odds ofwinning. This ensures all participants participating for the prize makethe same theoretical monetary investment to win the prize.

The oldest progressive prize computer systems support one progressiveprize and require all participating gaming devices to have the samewager amount and odds for winning. This effectively satisfied all therequirements of the progressive prize to game linkage. In these systems,linkage is accomplished by physically connecting a particular gamingdevice to the network controlled by the progressive prize's computersystems.

Large progressive prize values proved to be a significant attraction forplayers. However, the limitation presented by the corresponding largetotal wager amount drove an industry desire for methods that wouldenable increasing the base of participating gaming devices. The moregaming devices that can be linked to a progressive prize, the easier itis to satisfy the prize's total wager amount thus resulting in timelyprize awards that promote more player attraction.

One apparent solution, judging from patent history, was to inventmethods that would enable gaming devices that used differentdenomination coins to participate for a common prize. For example,instead of being limited to linking a few dollar games in a casino to aprogressive prize, multiple denomination methods could theoreticallyenable any denomination game to be linked to a common prize. Thisincreases the participation base and enables the prize to reach itstotal wager amount more easily. At the same time it overcomes a casino'sapprehension towards dedicating too much floor space to the same kind ofgame.

The control processes of a system illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,055allow gaming devices accepting different coin denominations of the samecurrency to be played for a common progressive prize. An ElectronicTranslator appears to translate the unique coin/pulse informationnormally generated by each game, into a set of information that resultsin each game making an approximately equal value of dollars to jackpotamount. The results produced by the Electronic Translator appear to makeall the gaming devices look the same to the controlling computer system.Thus, this prior art appears to use the same linkage methods employed byolder systems, which is accomplished by physically connecting aparticular gaming device's Electronic Translator to the networkcontrolled by the progressive prize's computer system.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,158 discloses methods for linking gaming devicesthat accept wagers of the same currency but of different denominationcoins to a common progressive prize. The disclosed linkage methodsmathematically determine that there is compatibility between the twodistinct entities of the progressive prize and the gaming device. Thiseffectively creates a second level of linkage that further qualifieswhich progressive prizes a gaming device may participate in once it isphysically linked to the progressive prize's computer system. Whilethese methods appear to enable increasing the participation base, theyhave several limitations. For example, one limitation requires that thecoin wagered on a gaming device must be a multiple of the coin the prizeis based upon. This would prevent a quarter gaming device fromparticipating for a prize based on a one-dollar denomination.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,608 discloses a free play apparatus and methods thatuse a progressive prize's total wager amount and a gaming device's wageramount to compute the odds of a participant winning a progressive prize.The disclosed linkage methods enable the free play apparatus' logic toget a progressive prize's total wager amount via a logical linkage. Oncephysically linked to the computer system the free play apparatusreceives the total wager amounts of any prizes that have been logicallylinked to it. It then enables the gaming device to participate in theprogressive prizes. While this invention effectively eliminatesrestrictions related to the denomination or currency of a wager, it doesnothing to address the limitation related to the potential conflictbetween a prize's contribution percent and a game's theoretical pay outpercentage.

As previously stated, a gaming device connected to a progressive prizehas traditionally been expected to contribute a portion of each wager tothe progressive prize. It is well known that the contribution percentfactor is a part of the progressive prize's attributes. This results inthe same contribution percent factor being applied to every linkeddevice. A particular device may have a very high theoretical pay outsuch as 98%, which pays out on average, 98 dollars for every 100 dollarswagered on this device. The size of the prize's contribution percentfactor may hinder the ability to link the device to the progressiveprize. The reason is if the progressive prize's contribution percentfactor were a value of 2% or more, then it would be impossible to make aprofit on a game with a theoretical pay out of 98% or more. This wouldeffectively prevent the device from being linked to that prize.

There exists a need to enable the contribution percent factor to be apart of each device's attributes. Each device could then have acontribution percent factor that is compatible with the device's game'stheoretical pay out, thus enabling a wider variety of devices to belinked to each progressive prize. For example, devices with games havingvery low theoretical pay outs could afford to support a highcontribution percent factor while a device with games having a very hightheoretical pay out may have a low contribution percent factor. Thiswould enable further increasing a progressive prize's participationbase.

Further, there exists a need for allowing any device that accepts amonetary transaction to participate for any progressive prize. Using themethods disclosed in this invention the only device requirement forlinkage to a prize would be the ability to accept a monetarytransaction. The monetary transaction value may then be used forparticipation in a prize.

Certain embodiments of the invention incorporate these advantages bydisclosing methods of linkage between prizes and devices that enableassigning the contribution percentage to a device. These methods enableany device that accepts a monetary transaction to participate for anyprize.

ADVANTAGES

At least one embodiment of the present invention enables any deviceaccepting monetary transactions to be linked with at least one prize.

At least one embodiment of the present invention enables assigning acontribution percent factor to each linked device.

At least one embodiment of the present invention enables linking adevice and prize regardless of the device's currency or denomination ofmonetary transaction, or theoretical payout.

At least one embodiment of the present invention expands theparticipation base of a prize.

As the participation base for a prize is expanded, the owner of theprize is afforded more flexibility in determining how the totalcontribution amount will be distributed to the monetary requirements ofthe prize.

These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remainingportion of the specification claim and abstract.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION

The specification discloses a progressive gaming system having a centralsystem, at least one prize, a progressive method, and at least onemonetary transaction acceptor. The central system is adapted toassociate the progressive method with the prize and the monetarytransaction acceptor thereby allowing the monetary transaction acceptorto participate for the prize. The progressive method is adapted todetermine a participation outcome based at least on the monetarytransaction acceptor's contribution percent factor.

The specification also discloses a progressive gaming system and methodshaving the ability to expand the participation base for a progressiveprize to include a wide variety of monetary transaction acceptors. Theprogressive gaming system and methods may have the capability to accepta monetary transaction value in a plurality of currencies or a pluralityof denominations of the same currency. The progressive gaming system andmethods may support multiple prizes simultaneously. Each monetarytransaction acceptor may be linked to one or more prizes.

The disclosed methods may comply with the commonly accepted requirementthat each participant for a prize make the same theoretical monetaryinvestment to win the prize. The present invention may further comprisemethods used to interface various devices with progressive methods,acquire monetary transactions, control events, and others.

Additional features of the invention will be described below and willform the subject matter of claims. In this request, before explaining atleast one preferred embodiment of the invention detail, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited in its application to thedetails of the construction and the arrangement of the components setforth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced andcarried out in various ways. It is also understood that the phraseologyand terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description andshould not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the present invention are shown in theaccompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a simple implementation of the invention toillustrate an international distribution of the system components.

FIG. 2 is a simplified entity diagram of the data used to describe thecontrol processes of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart presenting the interface between a device and aprogressive method.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of one embodiment of the progressive methodfunctionality.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of the progressivemethod functionality as incorporated into a gaming device.

FIG. 6 is an example of a matrix of prize data.

FIG. 7 is a spreadsheet depicting odds, total contribution amounts, andtotal wager amounts varying with different transaction amounts and gamecontribution percent factors.

FIGS. 8 and 8A are diagrams explaining the progressive methodincorporated into a secondary apparatus that is connected to primarygaming devices.

FIG. 9 is a diagram depicting a gaming device with the progressivemethod incorporated into the game.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating the processes when the progressivemethod is incorporated into the game.

FIG. 11 depicts a gaming device that accepts any wager amount andincorporates the progressive method.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating the process of the gaming devicedepicted in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a simple implementation of gaming enabled overthe Internet.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating the process of the Internet gamingsoftware incorporating the progressive method.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart depicting the decisions used when linking adevice to a prize.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of the processes involved with accumulatingwagers.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of the processes involved with computing aprize value.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart depicting the decisions used to process a prizeaward event.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart depicting the accumulation of monetarytransactions as it relates to prize award processes.

DEFINITIONS

Acquisition Data Data produced by devices as a result of participationfor prizes. Data recorded from game meters are one example of theacquisition data

-   -   See also Monetary Transaction Value

Central System One or more sets of computer hardware and software incommunication with GEMs or devices, the computer hardware and softwarebeing responsible for controlling the system.

Contribution Percent Factor For a prize, these are used to allocate thecontributions made by devices to funds used to finance the startingvalue of a prize, increment the prize value, and other uses.

-   -   For devices, this determines the portion of the monetary        transaction value that is contributed to a prize.

Control Data Data input by system operators that define the systemenvironment, operating parameters, constraints, and other criteria.Examples include the data that defines each device, each GEM,communication criteria, prizes, logical linkage between prizes andprogressive method, etc.

Device An apparatus accepting wagers or payments for goods or servicesin a manner that enables a monetary transaction value to be used by aprogressive method thus enabling participation in a prize.

-   -   See also Gaming Device, Monetary Transaction Acceptor.

Device Driver A set of hardware or software used to monitor and controldevices.

Device Protocol The set of messages used to control a specific device.

Distributed System A system consisting of a plurality of sets ofcomputer hardware and software in communication with and controlling aplurality of computers at the same site or at separated sites.

Event Condition A condition arising from an incident that is eitheroutside the set of normal incidents, or is a normal incident thatrequires tracking of some specific process to be performed for controlor audit purposes.

Event Data Data generated by the system to track each event. For examplethe tracking for a prize award event may include audit records recordingmeters that could not be gathered, the prize value displayed to theparticipant, the actual prize value computed after all contributionswere acquired, etc.

Event Process A process that enables a controlled response to an eventcondition. The objective of the event process is to ensure the situationis handled in accordance with the rules and regulations of a governingagency.

-   -   Examples may include prize award events, end of day processes,        malfunctioning or non-responding devices, remote computers, or        other system components.

Game A method or apparatus that provides a participant with theopportunity to place a wager, then interact in some manner with either adevice or a house employee, such as a dealer or table operator, for thechance of winning a prize.

Gaming Device A method or apparatus used as a game of chance wherein aparticipant may place wagers for the chance of winning prizes.

-   -   Also, secondary devices that connect to primary devices, for        example the progressive apparatus used as a secondary device to        connect to a primary gaming device, keno games, bingo games,        table games, roulette, cash registers, point of sale terminals,        lottery terminals, or others.

Gaming Environment Manager A set of hardware and/or software thatconnect the central system with the device drivers controlling devices.

GEM See Gaming Environment Manager

Handle Pull A gaming industry term used to indicate one play on a game,a gaming device, or other game of chance. Also includes the participantaction of payment for services or goods when the payment is used inparticipation for prizes.

Host Computer A computer acting as the controlling entity for anothercomputer or computerized device.

Linked Device A device that is linked with one or more prizes.

-   -   See also Linked Game

Linked Game A game that is physically, associatively, or logicallylinked with one or more prizes.

Location A site containing devices linked to the system. For examplelocations include sites such as a casino, a drinking establishment,grocery stores, airport lounges, resort destinations, as well as otherestablishments with devices participating for prizes. May also includeinternet servers.

Monetary Transaction Acceptor Any hardware or software that is capableof accepting a monetary transaction. Examples include a gaming device,keno games, bingo games, table games, roulette, cash registers, point ofsale terminals, lottery terminals, internet transactions, and others.

-   -   See also Device, Gaming Device

Monetary Transaction Value The value of a monetary transaction.

-   -   See also Handle Pull

Participant Someone that performs a monetary transaction wherein themonetary transaction value is used to participate in a prize.

Participation Outcome The win or lose outcome for each handle pull for aprize.

Pay Table The data used to compute a game's theoretical payout. Usuallyconsist of one or more pay lines that define the required wager, oddsfor winning, prize award, and other data.

Prize Something offered as an award for participation.

-   -   See also Progressive Prize

Prize Award The condition that results from the win of a prize. It mayalso include the subsequent prize award event that ensures all rules areenforced in regards to meter collection and calculation of the finalprize amount.

Progressive Apparatus A secondary device that may enable a primarydevice to participate for prizes.

Progressive Method The methods employed using computer hardware orsoftware that enable participation in one or more prizes.

Progressive Prize A prize that starts at an initial value then the prizevalue is incremented by a percentage of the monetary transactions madeon devices linked to the prize. In some embodiments the prize value maynot increment due to a zero value percentage, or even no incrementpercentage at all.

-   -   See also Prize

Protocol A set of defined messages used to communicate between systemcomponents.

Remote Computer A set of computer hardware and software located at asite other than the central site.

System Activity Data Data that results from participants making monetarytransactions using devices linked to the system. Examples include agaming device's meter data, point of sale data, lottery ticketpurchases, and others, captured for each prize award event.

System Operator People charged with the responsibility for operating thecentral system computers, entering control data, and ensuring eventprocesses perform correctly.

System Standard Protocol The set of defined messages used by the systemto communicate between processors. Each message has a specific set ofinformation according to its purpose.

Total Contribution Amount The sum of all contributions made during thetheoretical life cycle of each prize award event.

Total Wager Amount For a prize, this is the theoretical sum of allwagers made for each prize award event. For a device, this is the sum ofall monetary transactions made for each theoretical prize award event.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment,reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part ofthis application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specificembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changemay be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

One embodiment of this invention is comprised of one or more central orremote locations where devices are located. A particular location may bedevoted to gaming, such as a casino, while another location may simplyemploy devices for the convenience of customers, for examplerestaurants, drinking establishments, grocery stores, airport lounges,resort destinations, as well as others. Another embodiment may includean Internet server to enable personal computers, or other web enableddevices connected to the Internet, to participate in a common prize.

In one embodiment, at each site where devices are located, one or moreprocessors, known as Gaming Environment Managers (GEM), may be used tomonitor and control each connected device or other apparatus designed toallow participants to place wagers or make payment for goods orservices. Each GEM may be connected to a central system via appropriatecommunication lines.

Referring now to FIG. 1, in the embodiment shown, one location 101A hasone GEM 104A and is located in Canada. A second location 101B has oneGEM 104B and is located in the United States. A third location 101C hasone GEM 104C and is located in Mexico. The central system, 102, is inthe United States. Of course, the number of locations, where thelocations physically exist, how many GEMs may be at one location, orwhere the central system may exist may vary.

The GEM 104D provides access to the central system for the Internetserver 113. Web enabled devices 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D connect to theInternet server through the Internet 114. These devices run softwarethat provides the ability to participate in wagering for prizes.Communication lines 103A, 103B and 103C connect the locations with thecentral system. These communication lines may be of any particular kinddepending on the capability of an international location's existingfacilities.

Each GEM may contain device drivers 105A for monitoring and controllingthe attached devices, an event manager 106A, and a polling process 107A.The polling processes may coordinate the sending of transactions to andfrom the polling process 112 at the central system 102. The eventmanagers may process each transaction from the central system and createtransactions to be returned to the central system. The device driversmay monitor and control each device or apparatus and may perform thedata acquisition to record data indicative of wagering activity, paymenttransactions, and events generated from each device.

The central system may contain the business process and reportgeneration functionality 108 responsible for maintenance of allinformation used to define the physical system, including all devices,games, prizes, linkage of devices and games to prizes, currency exchangerates and other data needed by the operating logic. The central systemmay coordinate this information across the computer hardware platformsto ensure accuracy and consistency. In the preferred embodiment, thecentral system is the central repository and distribution point for alldata acquired by the system.

The polling process 112 may be responsible for scheduling polls to eachGEM, transporting the transactions generated by the other central systemprocesses to the GEM, then receiving transactions from the GEMs andpassing them to the data acquisition process 109. The data acquisitionprocess may be responsible for accumulating the records of wagering andpayment activity that occur on each device, applying wagers, payments,and/or contributions towards prizes, computing prize amounts, andmaintaining the memory tables used by all other elements of the centralsystem to control processes. As event transactions are acquired they arepassed to the event control process 110.

The event control process 1 10 may be responsible for monitoring theprogress of events and creating messages needed to affect decisions tocarry out or terminate operations. The system operator interface process111 may serve as a gateway for the system operator to monitor theoperational performance of the system and issue commands. Once thesystem is operational, the normal day-to-day control functions mayinclude but are not limited to, adding and removing prizes, adding andremoving equipment and communication lines, controlling the collectionof wagering and payment activity, contribution percent changes, exchangerate changes between currencies, and ensuring all events are handledproperly. There may be a daily process that reconciles the participantwagering and customer payment activity for the day and balances allfinancial activity. All activities may be monitored and controlled bythe central system processes.

To ensure all system activity is controlled on a standard time of dayand day of year basis, all system processors preferably operate onGreenwich Mean Time or some other system standard time. The systemstandard time is coordinated during the continuous polls from thecentral site to the local and remote sites. Local presentation of timeof day and day of year may be produced via methods that convert thesystem standard time to the local standard time of the particularlocation based on time zones, daylight savings criteria, or othercriteria that may be in effect for a particular location.

FIG. 2 is a simplified entity relationship diagram used to demonstratehow system data of one possible embodiment is related. When the lineconnecting entities has a crow's foot on its end, it means there may beone or more instances of that entity available to relate to the otherentity. When the line simply connects to an entity, it means there mayonly be one instance available. For example, the relationship betweenlocation 201 and GEM 205 indicates that for one location there may beone or more GEMs.

In the preferred embodiment, Prize data 255 may be the first dataentered. Location data 201 may be entered for each physical site wheredevices are located. There may be an owner of each prize 2553 thatpreferably enters into an agreement with the owner of a location 2012.The agreement may be approved by the regulatory agency before thelocation owner can be authorized for participation 250. Once this datais defined to the system, the remaining data may be entered to defineeach GEM 205, each device driver 210, each progressive apparatus 215,each device 220, and if the device contains games, each game on a device225.

In the most preferred embodiment, the ability to provide a participantusing a device with the opportunity to win a prize may be built byassociating each prize's Prize D 2601, each device's device ID 2602, anddefining any selection criteria that governs the display of the prize toa participant 2603. Other databases known in the art may be used inpractice to drive the data requirements of a progressive system.

In the preferred embodiment, when a participant uses a device toparticipate in a prize, a progressive method may be used to determinethe outcome. The method may be incorporated into a device driver 210, aprogressive apparatus 215, a device 220, or a game 225. The steps of themethod may also be separated and spread out amongst these entities. Someof the steps in the methods may even be incorporated into the softwareof the central system itself by utilizing the various prize and deviceIDs to determine when and where participation for a prize may occur, theanticipated contribution percent factors, the anticipated monetarytransaction values, as well as other data. The progressive method may beincorporated into a device and the relationship between the devicedriver and the device may take the route indicated by line 290. Inembodiments where the progressive method is incorporated into asecondary device, such as a progressive apparatus, the relationshipbetween the device driver and the device may take the route indicated bylines 295.

For ease of explanation, unless otherwise noted, the description of thepreferred embodiment assumes the progressive method is incorporated intoa device 220. As devices are defined to the system they may beassociated with a device driver. The general functions of a devicedriver are explained referencing FIG. 1. The polling process 107Areceives transactions from the central system polling process 112 andpasses them to the event manager process 106A. The event manager processeither carries out the commands contained in the transaction, or it maypass certain commands directly to the device drivers for action. Thedevice driver either carries out the command or converts the command tothe unique format required by the particular device. The device driverthen periodically polls the device, sending system messages to thedevice for action. The device responds to the poll with messages it hasqueued. The device driver converts the device's messages into the systemformat and queues them for sending to the central system. As the pollingprocess 107A is polled by the central system 112 it packages anytransactions prepared by the event manager or device drivers and sendsthem to the central system.

In addition to isolating the central system from the physical devices,the device drivers may be responsible for qualifying each set ofacquisition data and event data with the appropriate prizes' win number,currency, and other required prize data along with the currency,contribution percent factor, and other required data.

The disclosures of the methods of certain embodiments of this inventionare presented starting with the progressive method, followed by severalembodiments illustrating how the progressive method may be incorporatedinto various devices and games. This is followed by the disclosure ofthe method used to link a progressive method to a prize. The methodsused to accumulate monetary transactions, compute prize values, processa prize award event and the accumulation of monetary transactions andpayments during a prize award event are presented last.

The progressive method may be incorporated into many differentembodiments. In one embodiment a standard set of prizes may be displayedto the participant. In another embodiment different sets of prizes maybe displayed to participants based upon criteria such as player rating,monetary transaction amount, special promotions, or any other criteriathat enables sets of prizes to be distinct from other sets of prizes. Inanother embodiment the participant may be allowed to select one or moreprizes from lists of several prizes. In another embodiment the devicemay randomly select prizes for presentation to the participant. Otherembodiments may contain combinations of these preferred embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment wherein a device interfaces with theprogressive method's logic to enable the participant to participate forone prize. When the device is started, it would preferably firstinteract with its device driver and perform the device initialization.The specific initialization process may be dependent on the type ofdevice and may include the steps required to make the device aware ofthe prize ID, the prize's total contribution amount, the device'scontribution factor, and any selection criteria for display to aparticipant. Sometime during the initialization, the device mayinstantiate the progressive method 301, and thus making the method'slogic and data available. Once the progressive method is instantiated,it may be initialized by loading it with the prize's total contributionamount and the device's contribution factor 302. The progressive methodmay then store the data in its memory space 321. When the device detectsa monetary transaction it may invoke the progressive method to determinea win or lose outcome 303, passing it the monetary transaction value.The progressive method may determine a win or lose outcome 322 using aseries of steps illustrated in FIG. 4. The first step creates a set ofnumbers 401 for the random number generator using the followingequation: ${MR} = \frac{PC}{{MV}*D\quad C}$where

-   -   MR=Maximum number for the range of random number selection    -   PC=Prize's total contribution amount    -   MV=Monetary value    -   DC=Device's contribution percent factor

The progressive method may then generate a random number 402 from therange of 1 through the maximum number for the range as computed. Thegenerated number may then be compared to a predefined number 403, suchas the number one (“1”). If the numbers were different then the resultis set to lose 404. Otherwise the result may be set to win 405.

While this method for determining outcome is a preferred embodiment,other embodiments may take other forms. For example, other data may beused in place of the prize's total contribution amount:${MR} = \frac{{TW}*{PP}}{{MV}*D\quad C}$where

-   -   MR=Maximum number for the range of random number selection    -   TW=Prize's total wager amount    -   PP=Prize's contribution percent factor    -   MV=Monetary value    -   DC=Device's contribution percent factor

In this embodiment, the algorithm TW*PP replaces the prize's totalcontribution amount. In other embodiments, the contribution percentfactors may be replaced by the sum of several different factors such as:${MR} = \frac{{TW}*\left( {{BAP} + {PIP} + {POP} + {OPP}} \right)}{{MV}*D\quad C}$where

-   -   MR=Maximum number for the range of random number selection    -   TW=Prize's total wager amount    -   BAP=Prize base amount percent factor    -   PIP=Prize increment percent factor    -   POP=Prize overhead percent factor    -   OPP=Any other undisclosed prize percent factors    -   MV=Monetary value    -   DC=Device's contribution percent factor

As can be seen, there are many permutations of algorithms that may beused to create the maximum number for the range of random numberselection. The data requirements for each permutation may be easilydefined to the system database and then sent to the progressive methodat the time of initialization, and at any other time during the courseof operation as needed to keep the progressive method's data current andup-to-date.

Once the progressive method has determined an outcome, the device'sprocesses may query the progressive method for the result 304. Theprogressive method may then notify the device of the outcome 323.

In various embodiments, certain features of the progressive method maybe built into different system components. For example, if the monetarytransaction of some devices were always of the same value and in thesame currency, the central system may have access to all the data neededto create the maximum number for the range of random number selection.Therefore, for those devices the central system may be able to computethe maximum number range and just send that value to the progressivemethod.

In other embodiments, all or part of the features of the progressivemethod may be incorporated with the logic and processes of the deviceitself thus eliminating the progressive method as a distinct class orentity.

Once it is determined that a prize win has occurred, other methods maybe invoked. For example, the regulatory agency may require the device bedisabled after a prize is won 310, there may be requirements to displayvisual and audio signals to the participant indicating they have won311, prize award messages may need to be formatted and sent to thecentral system 312, as well as other requirements depending on theparticular venue in which the device is located. All of these methodsmay be incorporated into the device itself, the progressive method, orother entities such as an event class.

Several other embodiments of devices that incorporate the progressivemethod follow. FIG. 5 presents the methods that may be used by a devicethat enables a participant to select from many different prizes. Oncethe device is started 501, it may go through an initialization process502. When the device determines it is in functioning order, it maycommunicate with its device driver 503 then instantiate and initializethe progressive method 504. When the device includes more than oneprize, there may be several embodiments of processes that may be used tostore the prize data Preferably, the device's processes include thelogic needed to instantiate a separate progressive method for eachprize. In this preferred embodiment, the device may incorporate a matrixfor the prize data as illustrated in FIG. 6. While FIG. 6 includes 5different prizes, there may be no practical limit on the number ofprizes a device may be linked to or on the data that may be associatedwith a prize and kept in the matrix.

The device logic may use the data illustrated in FIG. 2 to determinewhich prizes were linked to it. For example, the prize name 2560 may beobtained by first finding the set of prize IDs 2551 linked to the deviceby browsing the prize ID and device ID linkage table 260 using thedevice's device D 2201, 2602 value and selecting all the prizes linkedto it by prize ID 2601, 2551. However, other methods may be employedthat may use one progressive method to keep track of all the prizes.

Referring to FIG. 3, more data may be required to be passed between thedevice processes and the progressive method processes in severaldifferent steps. Once the device has finished initializing itself, itmay enable participants to begin using it. When a participant startsusing the device, there may be several different methods used to selectthe prizes to be displayed 505. If the device is capable of acceptingthe participant's player tracking ID, then there may be a player ratingassigned. Display of prizes may also be conditioned on the wager amount.For example, if the player rating were greater than 4 and the monetaryvalue of the transaction were more than 2.99, then using the matrix inFIG. 6, there may be 4 prizes presented to the participant—Big Bonanza,Super Hits, Free And Clear, and Get Away. This determination may be madebased on the selection criteria in the matrix.

The selection criteria are presented as an example only. In practice thecriteria would be more comprehensive to enable greater flexibility inthe selection of prizes. In some embodiments the selection criteria mayconsists of layers of criteria. For example, the participant may selecta category of prizes such as Vacations, Vehicles, etc. Then theparticipant may select items from the selected category such as Paris,London, New York, San Francisco, etc. from the Vacations category.

Once the device has displayed the prizes 505, it may enable theparticipant to select a prize 506. In the embodiment wherein theparticipant is not allowed to select a prize, step 506 may not exist andthe participant may be allowed to participate in all the prizesdisplayed. A control method may actively monitor the device 507 todetect a handle pull at the instant it occurs. As soon as it isdetected, the progressive method may be used to determine the outcomefor each selected prize 508. If the play results in a prize award event509, the control methods may then disable the gaming device 510, createthe appropriate visual and audio output to notify the participant of theprize award 511, and generate a prize award event for the central system512.

FIG. 7 illustrates the results that may be produced when a progressivemethod is attached to or incorporated into devices with various monetarytransaction values and contribution percent factors. In this example,the currency values in column A TRANSACTION VALUE, column C PRIZE'STOTAL CONTIBUTION AMOUNT, column E COMPUTED TOTAL CONTRIBUTION AMOUNTand column F COMPUTED TOTAL WAGER AMOUNT do not represent any particularcurrency. The values may be US, Canadian, Mexican, or any other county'scurrency. Column A TRANSACTION VALUE is the monetary transaction value.Column B CONTRIBUTION PERCENT FACTOR is the contribution percent factorassigned a particular game. For ease of illustration the contributionpercent factors for each game denomination, 0.05, 0.10, 0.25 and 1.00are same. Contribution percent factors may be different for each gamedenomination.

Column C PRIZE'S TOTAL CONTRIBUTION AMOUNT represents the amount ofmoney to be contributed to a prize over the theoretical life cycle ofone prize award event. Statisticians who use a variety of factors maycreate the value themselves. In very simple terms, the value representsthe amount of money that may be needed to fund the starting prize value,fund the increment of the prize value, fund profits for the owner of theprize and many other financial requirements. In this case, the value1,890,123, stored in the prize's data element TOTAL CONTRIBUTION AMOUNT2555 on FIG. 2, may be for a prize that starts with a $1,000,000 valueand, on average, may increment by $750,000 when the prize would be won.This may make the average prize win worth $1,750,000. The funding forthe prize's starting value may be represented by the value of 0.5291 inthe prize's data element BASE AMOUNT PERCENT FACTOR 2556, meaning 52.91%of all contributions go to funding the base amount. The funding for theprize's increment value may be represented by the value 0.3972 in thedata element PRIZE INCREMENT PERCENT FACTOR 2557, meaning 39.72% of allcontributions go to funding the increment amount. In this verysimplified example, the profit may be realized by the remaining percentfactor of 0.0737. These percent factors may not be recorded as part ofthe prize's data, but instead may be known parts of a manual accountingprocess that keeps track of contributions and their use. There may alsobe many more percent factors allocating contributions to many differentpurposes.

Column D COMPUTED ODDS illustrates how the odds computed by theprogressive methods vary according to the monetary transaction value andthe game's contribution percent factor. It is apparent that as eithervalue grows, an indication that the participant is contributing more tothe prize, the odds become smaller, giving the participant a betterchance at winning the prize. Column E COMPUTED TOTAL CONTRIBUTION AMOUNTillustrates that regardless of the transaction value or the value of thegame's contribution percent factor, each participant will ultimatelycontribute the same amount for the chance of winning the prize. Thevarying odds are the factors that make this possible. Column F COMPUTEDTOTAL WAGER AMOUNT illustrates that the actual value of the wagers madeover the theoretical life cycle of one prize award event may varyconsiderably.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment wherein the progressive method may beincorporated into a secondary device such as a progressive apparatus. Inthis embodiment, the progressive apparatus 802 may be comprised of astandard processor board, a video display 803, and speakers 804. Thesecondary device may be mounted on top of a gaming device 801 with thecommunication and power supply lines 806 contained inside the gamingdevice's cabinet. In other embodiments, the progressive apparatus maytake on different outward physical characteristics required to connectto various gaming devices or other types of monetary transactionacceptors.

The progressive apparatus' communication line may be connected to thedevice driver's communication line 807. The connection may be direct, inwhich case the progressive apparatus may perform all communicationsbetween the device driver 808 and the gaming device 801, or theconnection may be made with a standard communication line adapter usedto split the signal, in which case the progressive apparatus may performonly the communications related to progressives. Communications from theprogressive apparatus to the device driver may have event messagesindicating prize awards, intruder events, malfunction events andresponse messages.

FIG. 8A describes the manner in which the progressive apparatus in thisembodiment may provide connections with its external interfaces. Theprogressive apparatus 8A02 may be powered by a connection to the gamingdevice's power supply 8A011. It may exchange messages with the devicedriver using a communications line 8A08. Instructions that enable theincorporated progressive method to allow participants to select prizesmay be received from participants pressing a selection button 8A05.Messages may be sent to participants via the display connection 8A03and/or the speaker connection 8A04.

The functionality of the incorporated progressive method may be drivenfrom connections to the gaming device. When a participant initiates playby pulling a handle, pushing a button, or some other means as dictatedby the gaming device, an impulse may be generated on the connection8A012. The amount of the wager made maybe obtained from connection8A013. Sending the appropriate signal through the connection 8A014 maydisable the gaming device. If the progressive method has a directconnection to the device driver, then the connection 8A015 may be usedto send central system messages to the gaming device and also to receivemessages from the gaming device to be sent to the central system.

If the gaming device had an attached player-tracking device,communication line 8A016 may be used to provide the interface betweenthe device and the central system. The progressive apparatus may also beconnected to the various sensors incorporated in the gaining device thatdetect opening of doors, tilting of the device or any other securityrelated events through one or more connections 8A017. All theconnections illustrated in FIG. 8A may be replaced with otherconnections as dictated by the regulations of various regulatoryagencies and depending on the particular kind of device it is attachedto. However, the essence of the preferred embodiment of the progressivemethod's functionality when incorporated into a secondary device such asa progressive apparatus would remain regardless of the physicalconnections.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment wherein the progressive method isincorporated into the device itself. In this embodiment, a gaming device901 has a video display 902, speakers 903, and a button 904 for theparticipant to select a prize. The gaming device's communication linemay be connected to the device driver 906 with a communication line 905.Due to the extraordinary variety devices that comprise monetarytransaction acceptors, the various device that could be used toincorporate the progressive method are literally unlimited. One simpleexample that illustrates the ease with which this can be accomplished isthe flow chart presented in FIG. 10. This is one example of how a gamingdevice may operate. This can compare with the flow chart in FIG. 3 thatcontains a simple example of the progressive method's processes as theymay be controlled by some unspecified device.

The methods used to start the gaming device 1001 and performinitialization 1002, may incorporate the process of instantiating andinitializing the progressive method 301, 302. To execute play for theprizes 1005, the gaming device may invoke the progressive method 303then query the progressive method for the win/lose outcome 1006, 304. Inany slot machine type gaming device or other device accepting monetarytransactions, there are a multitude of other steps the device isrequired to perform. This example is not an attempt to be allencompassing; it is presented as only one example of how the progressivemethod could be incorporated into a slot machine type of gaming deviceby someone of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a progressive method incorporatedinto another type of gaming device. This gaming device 1101 acceptswagers of any kind in a coin hopper 1108 and/or a bill acceptor 1106.The gaming device in this embodiment has one big prize and several smallprizes linked to it. If the big prize is won, the gaming device createsa prize win event that results in the prize being paid by attendants. Ifa little prize is won, the gaming device prints a coupon and dispensesit from the coupon dispenser 1107.

As indicated in the text displayed 1103 on the monitor 1102, when theparticipant initiates play by pressing a button 1104, the gaming devicemay execute play for each prize and display symbols 1105 to indicate awin or a loss outcome. In the event the participant tosses invalid coinsinto the coin hopper, those invalid coins may be returned in the returnhopper 1109.

FIG. 12 depicts a flow chart to illustrate the steps this gaming device,incorporating the progressive method, may use to process a participantsmonetary transaction. The gaming device may be started 1201 when pluggedinto an electrical receptacle and turned on. Once it is started, theinitialization of the gaming device 1202 may include ensuring all thephysical and electronic components function properly. This may include acheck of the processor boards and software that incorporates theprogressive method. The gaming device may then establish communicationswith the device driver 1203 to receive the prize data and game data itneeds to perform the progressive method.

After all initialization is completed, the gaming device may present theavailable prizes to the participant 1204. As the participant droppedcoins into the coin hopper and/or inserted paper currency into the billacceptor the gaming device may tally the monetary transaction value1205. When the participant touches the button to start play 1206, thegaming device may execute play 1207 for each prize. If the play resultsin a prize award event for the big prize 1208, the gaming device maydisable itself 1209 and create the appropriate visual and audio outputto notify the participant of the prize award 1210. The gaming device maythen generate a prize award event for the central system 1211. If thebig prize were not won, then a check may be made to see if any of thelittle prizes were won 1212. If one was won then a coupon may be printed1213 and a prize-award event may be generated for the central system1211.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment wherein the progressive method isincorporated into software that may be used while connected to theInternet. Internet enabled devices 1301A, 1301B, 1301C, and 1301D onceconnected to the Internet 1302 would have access to the Internet server1303. Several Internet gaming systems in existence have developedvarious methods to ensure the Internet customers have establishedaccounts with the gaming software to allow them to play the gamingsoftware and have a chance to win prizes. These activities may be aresimilar to the activities that occur in any casino that useplayer-tracking methods. Certain embodiments of the present inventionprovide a method that may be utilized by gaming software to allow peopleto participate for a prize over the Internet.

As will become very apparent, the methods presented that enable internetenabled gaming software to participate in common prizes may be adaptedto enable any internet application that accepts a monetary transactionto also participate. In this embodiment, the prizes are open for playnot only from the Internet server but also from any other location.Referencing FIG. 2, each element used to interface the Internet serverto the central system may be identified to the central system to enablethe polling processes to acquire monetary transactions made for prizes,process prize events and other acquisition data, just as they do for anylocation. The Internet server 1303 may be identified as a uniquelocation 201. Each set of playable gaming software incorporating theprogressive method residing on the disk arrays 1304 may be identified asa unique device 220. The GEM and device drivers 1305 are identified 205,210. Each prize 2601 that the device 2602 is allowed to execute play formay then be identified in the linkage table 260.

When the Internet server 1303 establishes connection to the devicedriver 1305 in initialization mode, the message protocols may send allthe prize and game configuration information to the Internet server'sapplication level programs. This information may enable the Internetserver to build the data structures that enable each set of the gamingsoftware's progressive method to have the required prize and game data.During the actual playing of the gaming software, the same progressivemethod previously disclosed may execute play for prizes, depending onthe manner in which the gaming software presents prizes to theparticipant. The prizes may be simply presented as one or more that maybe won, or the prizes may be presented in a manner that enables aparticipant to select one or more for play, or the progressive methodmay be used to randomly select one or more prizes.

There are many different methods an Internet gaming site may use toenable participants to participate in gaming. FIG. 14 illustrates anembodiment where some of the gaming software made available toparticipants incorporates the progressive method. When the Internetserver is started 1401, part of its initialization process may be toestablish communications with the device driver to receive the prize andgame data 1402. As the users start to log into the Internet server, theymay be authenticated 1403 and the gaming software they are authorized toplay may be presented 1404. As the user selected a set of gamingsoftware the Internet server's control methods may determine if thesoftware contains the progressive method 1405. If the gaming softwaredoes not contain the progressive method, then the user may simply usethe gaming software according to the normal methods employed by theInternet server's control methods 1406.

When a set of gaming software does incorporate the progressive method,those methods may be presented to the user in addition to the normalmethods employed by the Internet server's control methods. The gamingsoftware may present the available prizes to the participant 1407. Inthis depicted embodiment, the gaming software may then allow theparticipant to select a prize 1408. As has been presented previously,other embodiments may simply present prizes to the user, randomly selectprizes, or any combination thereof.

When the user elects to start play according to the gaming software'scontrol methods 1409, the gaming software may execute play 1410 for eachselected prize, as previously disclosed. If the play results in a prizeaward event 1411, the gaming software may create the appropriate visualand audio output to notify the participant of the prize award 1412. Thegaming software may then generate a prize award event for the centralsystem 1413.

In any Internet gaming system, there may be a multitude of other logicalsteps the gaming software may be required to perform. The controlprocesses that logically link the progressive method with a prize isillustrated in FIG. 15. The first check 1510 ensures the owner of thelocation where the device physically exists has authorization toparticipate. Referencing FIG. 2, this is a matter of ensuring the ownervalue 2012 in the location data 201 exists in the owner value 2502 inthe participation authorization data 250 for the subject prize 2601,2501. If the data exists the linkage 1520 is allowed. If the data doesnot exist, the linkage is not allowed 1530.

As devices are then logically linked to a prize, the linkage methodsbuild the relationship of the prize 2601 and the devices 2602 in theprize and progressive method linkage table 260. This logical linkagebetween a prize and a device containing a progressive method may thenenable the central system to provide the progressive method with theprize and device data the progressive method needs to determine awin/lose outcome. In other embodiments the conditions on linking may notrequire a determination of authorization, or there may be additionalconditions required by regulatory agencies.

As previously disclosed, the progressive method may be incorporated intoany device that accepts a monetary transaction. The specific methodsused by different devices or software to enable participants to makemonetary transactions may vary to an unlimited extent due to marketingdecisions and competition for participation. However, when the deviceincorporates the progressive method of presenting prizes and executingplay for those prizes, the steps used by the progressive method mayremain intact. Establishing a prize's total contribution amount,establishing a game's contribution percent factor, and establishinglogical linkage between a prize and a progressive method enable theprogressive method. Due to constant advances in the networking andcommunication protocol technology, the methods used to communicate theprize and device data to the progressive method and the methods forcommunicating polling data and event data between a device driver and adevice may vary to an unlimited extent.

In one embodiment, once the system has been implemented and prizes arelinked with devices using progressive methods, the devices may beenabled for participation. As participation occurs, the device driversmay monitor each device for a monetary transaction according to the typeof device. For each monetary transaction, the device driver may format amessage based on monetary transaction values taken from the device. Themessage may be sent to the central system to record the currenttransaction and accumulate amounts.

FIG. 16 illustrates the processes that may be used to accumulate wageramounts by currency and contribution percent factor where the linkeddevices are typical gaming devices. The central system accumulatescontribution amounts made on each prize by currency in a matrix for eachwin number 1605A, 1605B. As the system receives the new game meters1601, it computes the change 1602 from the prior game meters value 1603then replaces the prior meter values 1603 with the new game meters 1601.The prize win numbers 16014, 16015, currency 16016 and the contributionpercent factor 16017 may then be used to point to a wager accumulatorfor each prize 16052A, 16052B. Then the value of wagers made 16023 maythen be used to increment the accumulated wagers 16052A, 16052B.

Periodically, the system may compute the current prize value for displayto participants. The prize value is preferably computed in the currencyof the prize. The following is an equation preferably used to compute acurrent prize value.PA+(sum of ((WC*GC)*ER)*IPwhere

-   -   PA=the minimum prize amount    -   WC=wagers by currency    -   GC=game contribution percent factor    -   ER=exchange rate from wager currency to prize currency    -   IP=prize's increment percent factor

FIG. 17 illustrates the computation process in the most preferredembodiment. The minimum prize amount 1702 (2558 in FIG. 2) is added tothe sum of all the accumulated wagers 1701 after they are converted toan increment monetary value 1703. The result is the current prize value1704.

When a device generates a prize award event, it sends a prize awardmessage to the device driver. The device driver formats a system prizeaward message and sends it to the central system. FIG. 18 contains aflowchart that describes the processes that occur in the preferredembodiment when the central system starts the prize award process. Theprize award's win number is compared to the current win number for theprize 1801. If the win number is less than the current win number thenthe prize award message is for a previous prize. In this case, the prizeaward message is recorded then sent to the business function forprocessing 1802. If the win number is not less than the current winnumber then the prize award is for the current prize. The process thenincrements the win number 1803. At this point the process checks to seeif the prize's status 2552 is set to pending shut down 1804. If it is,then the prize reset message, with a logical flag instructing all devicedrivers to close the prize processing for this prize, is sent to alldevice drivers controlling devices linked to the prize 1805.

The progressive control process may clear the monetary transactionaccumulation data areas to initialize them for processing the new winnumber 1806. It may start the new win number by sending the prize resetmessage to all device drivers controlling devices linked to the prize1807. As each device driver receives the prize reset message, itnotifies the device of the new prize value. If the device responds withconfirmation that it has changed the prize value, then a new base lineof any device meters may be sent to the central system with the old winnumber. If the device responds with a prize hit message, then the devicedriver may format both a prize hit message and a meter message using theold win number and sends both messages to the central system. The winnumber associated with the device may then be incremented. As eachdevice driver will receive the reset message at different times, and thetime taken to reset the device may vary depending on conditions, such asthe device being in a state of consummating a monetary transaction,there may be monetary transaction messages for the same prize receivedby the central system with different win numbers.

FIG. 19 describes the processes that occur in the preferred embodimentwhen monetary transactions for a prize are being reported under morethan one win number. The process preferably checks the prize's winnumber associated with the monetary transaction against the current winnumber 1902. If the win number is less than the current win number, thenthe transaction is for a prize award. In this case, a check is made tosee if the device associated with the transaction is the last to bereported 1903. If this is the last device to report transactions for theprize award, then the prize award is closed and the business process isnotified 1907. If it is not the last, then a check is made to see if thetime allocated to performing the prize award has been exceeded 1904. Ifthis is the case, the system operator is notified 1905 of the devicesthat have not reported. The system operator makes the decision 1906 toeither continue the prize process or proceed to close the prize awardprocess 1907.

Each location may be physically sited in wide ranging geographicallocations spanning a plurality of international time zones. The owner ofeach location may determine the open and close times, holiday schedules,and the time of day used to transition business days. The central systemmay use the open and close times and holiday schedules to notify eachGEM at the location to set the attached devices to an open or closedstatus.

When a location's time for end of day is reached, the central system maynotify each GEM at the location to send the current meters for end ofday. When the meters are received, they may be are sent to the businessfunctions to process the location's end of day. The use of devicedrivers to monitor and control devices eliminates the chance of badmeter data entering into the system. Each device may have the limits ofnormal operating criteria defined that may enable its device driver todetect invalid monetary transactions and runaway conditions before theyget into the system data. In the event invalid meters or runawayconditions are detected, the device driver may disable the offendingdevice and notify the central system via a generated event message. Thiseliminates the often labor intensive tasks normally associated withcorrecting meter data and the need to protect against a runaway gamingdevice driving the prize value to an excessive value.

CONCLUSION

The specification discloses certain embodiments of the invention thatexpand the participation base for a prize. Certain embodiments providelogical linkage methods, which enable any device accepting a monetarytransaction to be linked with a prize. Certain embodiments provideprogressive methods that allow a contribution percent factor to beassigned to each linked device thus enabling devices with widely varyingtheoretical payouts to participate in common prizes.

Certain embodiments further provide progressive methods that enableparticipants to perform monetary transactions using the currency commonto their particular location while participating in the endeavor to wina common prize.

Although the description above contains many specifications, theseshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but asmerely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferredembodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention shouldbe determined by the issued claims and their legal equivalents ratherthan by the examples given.

1-46. (canceled)
 47. A method of operating a progressive system capableof accepting monetary transaction values in at least one of a pluralityof currencies and a plurality of denominations of the same currencycomprising the steps of: (A) determining a total contribution amount fora progressive prize; (B) determining a contribution percent factor forat least one monetary transaction acceptor; (C) allowing at least oneperson or entity to make a monetary transaction, the transaction havingan amount; and (D) determining odds of an outcome of at least one prizeaward event using at least the total contribution amount, thecontribution percent factor and the transaction amount.
 48. The methodof claim 47 wherein the odds of the prize award event outcome varydepending on the value of the transaction amount.
 49. The method ofclaim 47 wherein the odds of the prize award event outcome varydepending on the value of the total contribution amount.
 50. The methodof claim 47 wherein the odds of the prize award event outcome varydepending on the value of the contribution percent factor.
 51. Themethod of claim 47 wherein the step of determining the odds comprisesdividing the total contribution amount by the product of the monetarytransaction amount and the contribution percent factor.
 52. The methodof claim 47 wherein the step of determining the odds comprisesgenerating a number based on the total contribution amount, generating anumber based on the product of the monetary transaction amount and acontribution percent factor, and comparing the number based on theproduct of the monetary transaction amount and the contribution percentfactor to the number based on the total contribution amount.
 53. Amethod for determining a participation outcome for a prize award event,the event being associated with a progressive prize having a value,comprising the steps of: (A) determining a total contribution amount forthe prize; (B) determining a contribution percent factor for at leastone monetary transaction acceptor; (C) allowing at least one person orentity to make a monetary transaction, the transaction having an amount;and (D) determining the outcome using at least the total contributionamount, the contribution percent factor and the monetary transactionamount.
 54. The method of claim 53 wherein the step of determining theoutcome comprises dividing the total contribution amount by the productof the monetary transaction amount and the contribution percent factorto provide an odds number.
 55. The methods of claim 54 wherein the stepof determining the participation outcome further comprises determining arange of numbers based on the odds number.
 56. The method of claim 55wherein the step of determining the participation outcome furthercomprises generating a random number within the odds range of numbers,comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number andgenerating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random numberis substantially equal to the pre-defined number.
 57. The method ofclaim 55 wherein the step of determining the participation outcomefurther comprises generating a random number within the odds range ofnumbers, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number andgenerating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random numberis equal to the pre-defined number.
 58. The methods of claim 53 whereinthe step of determining the participation outcome comprises determininga range of numbers based on the total contribution amount and thecontribution percent factor.
 59. The methods of claim 58 wherein thestep of determining the participation outcome further comprisesgenerating at least one random number within the range of numbers basedon the monetary transaction amount, comparing the random number to apre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prizeaward event if the random number is substantially equal to thepre-defined number.
 60. The methods of claim 58 wherein the step ofdetermining the participation outcome further comprises generating atleast one random number within the range of numbers based on themonetary transaction amount, comparing the random number to apre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prizeaward event if the random number is equal to the pre-defined number. 61.The methods of claim 58 wherein the step of determining theparticipation outcome further comprises generating at least onepre-defined winning number based on the monetary transaction amountwithin the range of numbers, generating a random number within the rangeof numbers, comparing the random number to the pre-defined winningnumber and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if therandom number is substantially equal to the pre-defined winning number.62. The methods of claim 58 wherein the step of determining theparticipation outcome further comprises generating at least onepre-defined winning number based on the monetary transaction amountwithin the range of numbers, generating a random number within the rangeof numbers, comparing the random number to the pre-defined winningnumber and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if therandom number is equal to the pre-defined winning number.
 63. Themethods of claim 53 wherein the monetary transaction is a payment. 64.The method of claim 63 wherein the payment is at least an amount paidfor at least one item of merchandise.
 65. A method for determining aparticipation outcome for a prize award event associated with aprogressive prize in a prize award system, the system being capable ofaccepting monetary transactions in at least one of a plurality ofcurrencies and a plurality of denominations of the same currency,comprising the steps of: (A) determining a total contribution amount forthe prize; (B) determining a contribution percent factor for at leastone monetary transaction acceptor; (C) allowing at least one person orentity to make a monetary transaction, the transaction having an amount;and (D) determining the outcome using at least the total contributionamount, the contribution percent factor and the monetary transactionamount.
 66. The method of claim 65 wherein the step of determining theoutcome comprises dividing the total contribution amount by the productof the monetary transaction amount and the contribution percent factorto provide an odds number.
 67. The method of claim 66 wherein the stepof determining the participation outcome further comprises determining arange of numbers based on the odds number.
 68. The method of claim 67wherein the step of determining the participation outcome furthercomprises generating a random number within the odds range of numbers,comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number andgenerating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random numberis substantially equal to the pre-defined number.
 69. The method ofclaim 67 wherein the step of determining the participation outcomefurther comprises generating a random number within the odds range ofnumbers, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number andgenerating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random numberis equal to the pre-defined number.
 70. The method of claim 65 whereinthe step of determining the participation outcome comprises determininga range of numbers based on the total contribution amount and thecontribution percent factor.
 71. The method of claim 70 wherein the stepof determining the participation outcome further comprises generating atleast one random number within the range of numbers based on themonetary transaction amount, comparing the random number to apre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prizeaward event if the random number is substantially equal to thepre-defined number.
 72. The method of claim 70 wherein the step ofdetermining the participation outcome further comprises generating atleast one random number within the range of numbers based on themonetary transaction amount, comparing the random number to apre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prizeaward event if the random number is equal to the pre-defined number. 73.The method of claim 70 wherein the step of determining the participationoutcome further comprises generating at least one pre-defined winningnumber based on the monetary transaction amount within the range ofnumbers, generating a random number within the range of numbers,comparing the random number to the pre-defined winning number andgenerating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random numberis substantially equal to the pre-defined winning number.
 74. The methodof claim 70 wherein the step of determining the participation outcomefurther comprises generating at least one pre-defined winning numberbased on the monetary transaction amount within the range of numbers,generating a random number within the range of numbers, comparing therandom number to the pre-defined winning number and generating a winoutcome for the prize award event if the random number is equal to thepre-defined winning number.
 75. The method of claim 65 wherein themonetary transaction is a payment.
 76. The method of claim 75 whereinthe payment is at least an amount paid for at least one item ofmerchandise.
 77. A method of operating a prize award system, the systembeing capable of accepting monetary transactions in at least one of aplurality of currencies and a plurality of denominations of the samecurrency, comprising the following steps: (A) determining a totalcontribution amount for at least one progressive prize; (B) determininga contribution percent factor for at least one monetary transactionacceptor; (C) allowing at least one person or entity to make a monetarytransaction associated with a game, the transaction having an amount;(D) linking the at least one prize to a secondary device; (E)interfacing the secondary device with the game; and (F) determining onthe secondary device a participation outcome for the at least one prizeusing at least the total contribution amount, the contribution percentfactor and the monetary transaction amount.
 78. The method of claim 77wherein the step of determining the participation outcome comprisesdividing the total contribution amount by the product of the monetarytransaction amount and the contribution percent factor to provide anodds number.
 79. The method of claim 78 wherein the step of determiningthe participation outcome further comprises determining a range ofnumbers based on the odds number.
 80. The method of claim 79 wherein thestep of determining the participation outcome further comprisesgenerating a random number within the odds range of numbers, comparingthe random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a winoutcome for the prize award event if the random number is substantiallyequal to the pre-defined number.
 81. The method of claim 79 wherein thestep of determining the participation outcome further comprisesgenerating a random number within the odds range of numbers, comparingthe random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a winoutcome for the prize award event if the random number is equal to thepre-defined number.
 82. The method of claim 77 wherein the step ofdetermining the outcome comprises determining a range of numbers basedon the total contribution amount and the contribution percent factor.83. The method of claim 82 wherein the step of determining theparticipation outcome further comprises generating at least one randomnumber within the number range based on the monetary transaction amount,comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number andgenerating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random numberis substantially equal to the pre-defined number.
 84. The method ofclaim 82 wherein the step of determining the participation outcomefurther comprises generating at least one random number within thenumber range based on the monetary transaction amount, comparing therandom number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a winoutcome for the prize award event if the random number is equal to thepre-defined number.
 85. The method of claim 82 wherein the step ofdetermining the participation outcome further comprises generating atleast one pre-defined winning number based on the monetary transactionamount within the number range, generating a random number within thenumber range, comparing the random number within the number range to thepre-defined winning number based on the monetary transaction amount andgenerating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random numberwithin the number range is substantially equal to the pre-definedwinning number based on the monetary transaction amount.
 86. The methodof claim 82 wherein the step of determining the participation outcomefurther comprises generating at least one pre-defined winning numberbased on the monetary transaction amount within the number range,generating a random number within the number range, comparing the randomnumber within the number range to the pre-defined winning number basedon the monetary transaction amount and generating a win outcome for theprize award event if the random number within the number range is equalto the pre-defined winning number based on the monetary transactionamount.
 87. The method of claim 77 wherein the secondary device is afree play apparatus.
 88. A method of operating a prize award system, thesystem comprising a host computer and at least one device driver and ahost computer, the method comprising the following steps: (A) the hostcomputer establishing a win number for a progressive prize; (B) the hostcomputer transmitting the win number to the device driver; and (C) thedevice driver qualifying all messages relating to acquisition data andprize related event conditions with the win number.
 89. The method ofclaim 88 further comprising a step of the host computer accumulatingmonetary transactions for the progressive prize by win number.
 90. Themethod of claim 88 further comprising a step of the host computerprocessing all events for the progressive prize by win number.
 91. Amethod of operating a prize award system, the system comprising acentral system and at least one device driver, the method comprising thefollowing steps: (A) the central system establishing a win number for aprogressive prize; (B) the central system transmitting the win number tothe device driver; and (C) the device driver qualifying all messagesrelating to acquisition data and prize related event conditions with thewin number.
 92. The method of claim 91 further comprising a step of thecentral system accumulating monetary transactions for the progressiveprize by win number.
 93. The method of claim 91 further comprising astep of the central system processing all events for the progressiveprize by win number.
 94. A method for creating linkage between aprogressive prize and at least one monetary transaction acceptorcomprising the steps of: (A) determining a total contribution amount forat least one progressive prize; (B) determining a contribution percentfactor for the monetary transaction acceptor; (C) linking the prize tothe monetary transaction acceptor adapted to determine a participationoutcome for the prize using at least the total contribution amount, thecontribution percent factor and a monetary transaction amount.
 95. Themethod of claim 94 wherein the monetary transaction acceptor is a gamingdevice.
 96. The method of claim 94 wherein the monetary transactionacceptor is a point-of-sale device.
 97. The method of claim 96 whereinthe point-of-sale device is a cash register.
 98. The method of claim 94wherein the monetary transaction acceptor is a table game.
 99. Themethod of claim 98 wherein the table game is black jack.
 100. The methodof claim 94 wherein the prize is a progressive prize.
 101. The method ofclaim 94 wherein the monetary transaction amount is a payment.
 102. Themethod of claim 101 wherein the payment is at least an amount paid forat least one item of merchandise.
 103. A monetary transaction acceptordevice comprising: (A) a machine capable of accepting a monetarytransaction, the transaction having an amount, and awarding at least oneprize wherein the machine is arranged to award the prize when a prizeaward event is achieved; and (B) a secondary device arranged to test forthe prize award event and to initiate an award of the prize when theprize award event occurs, the prize award event being determined by aparticipation outcome having a probability related to a totalcontribution amount and contribution percent factor.
 104. The device ofclaim 103 wherein the machine is arranged to accept a monetarytransaction, at substantially the same time during which testing for theprize award event will occur.
 105. The device of claim 104 wherein themonetary transaction is a standard transaction normally offered by themachine and the prize is at least one progressive prize.
 106. The deviceof claim 104 wherein the monetary transaction is a standard transactionnormally offered on the machine and the prize is at least oneprogressive prize of a group of progressive prizes.
 107. The device ofclaim 104 wherein the prize award event is determined by selecting arandom number from a range of numbers that is determined by dividing thetotal contribution amount by the product of the contribution percentfactor and the monetary transaction amount, allotting to the prize atleast one number selected from the range of numbers, the size of the setof allotted numbers being related to the monetary transaction amount,and in the event that one of the allotted numbers matches the randomnumber, initiating the award of the prize.
 108. The device of claim 104wherein the range of numbers is related to the total contribution amountdivided by the product of the contribution percent factor and themonetary transaction amount.
 109. The device of claim 108 wherein therange of numbers is equal to the total contribution amount divided bythe product of the contribution percent factor and the monetarytransaction amount expressed as a currency denomination.
 110. The deviceof claim 109 wherein the currency denomination is cents.
 111. The deviceof claim 109 wherein the set of allotted numbers includes one number foreach unit of the currency denomination in the monetary transactionamount.
 112. The device of claim 110 wherein the set of allotted numbersincludes one number for each cent in the monetary transaction amount.113. The device of claim 107 wherein the allotted numbers is a block ofnumbers.
 114. The device of claim 113 wherein the block of numberscontains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.
 115. The device ofclaim 103 wherein the prize award event is determined by theparticipation outcome having a probability related to a totalcontribution amount, contribution percent factor and the monetarytransaction amount.
 116. The device of claim 115 wherein the machine isarranged to accept a monetary transaction, at substantially the sametime during which testing for the prize award event will occur.
 117. Thedevice of claim 116 wherein the monetary transaction is a standardtransaction normally offered by the machine and the prize is at leastone progressive prize.
 118. The device of claim 116 wherein the monetarytransaction is a standard transaction normally offered on the machineand the prize is at least one progressive prize of a group ofprogressive prizes.
 119. The device of claim 116 wherein the prize awardevent is determined by selecting a random number from a range of numbersthat is determined by dividing the total contribution amount by theproduct of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transactionamount, allotting to the prize at least one number selected from therange of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being relatedto the monetary transaction amount, and in the event that one of theallotted numbers matches the random number, initiating the award of theprize.
 120. The device of claim 116 wherein the range of numbers isrelated to the total contribution amount divided by the product of thecontribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount. 121.The device of claim 120 wherein the range of numbers is equal to thetotal contribution amount divided by the product of the contributionpercent factor and the monetary transaction amount expressed as acurrency denomination.
 122. The device of claim 121 wherein the currencydenomination is cents.
 123. The device of claim 121 wherein the set ofallotted numbers includes one number for each unit of the currencydenomination in the monetary transaction amount.
 124. The device ofclaim 122 wherein the set of allotted numbers includes one number foreach cent in the monetary transaction amount.
 125. The device of claim119 wherein the allotted numbers is a block of numbers.
 126. The deviceof claim 125 wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers inthe range of numbers.
 127. A method of awarding a prize on a devicecapable of accepting a monetary transaction comprising the steps of: (A)testing for a prize award event wherein the event has a probability ofoccurring related to a total contribution amount and a contributionpercent factor; (B) initiating an award of the prize when a prize awardevent occurs.
 128. The method of claim 127 wherein the testing comprisesthe steps of: (A) selecting a random number from a range of numbersdetermined from the total contribution amount and the contributionpercent factor; (B) allotting to the prize at least one number selectedfrom the range of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers beingrelated to the monetary transaction amount; and (C) initiating the awardof the prize in the event that one of the allotted numbers matches therandom number.
 129. The method of claim 128 wherein the range of numbersis related to the total contribution amount divided by the product ofthe contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount.130. The method of claim 128 wherein the range of numbers determinedfrom the total contribution amount is expressed as a currencydenomination.
 131. The method of claim 130 wherein currency denominationis cents.
 132. The method of claim 130 wherein the range of numbersincludes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered onthe game.
 133. The method of claim 131 wherein the range of numbersdetermined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unitof currency denomination in the monetary transaction amount.
 134. Themethod of claim 128 wherein the at least one allotted number is a blockof numbers selected from the range of numbers.
 135. The method of claim134 wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in therange of numbers.
 136. The method of claim 127 wherein the prize awardevent has a probability of occurring related to a total contributionamount, a contribution percent factor and a monetary transaction amount.137. The method of claim 136 wherein the testing comprises the steps of:(A) selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined fromthe total contribution amount and the contribution percent factor; (B)allotting to the prize at least one number selected from the range ofnumbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being related to themonetary transaction amount; and (C) initiating the award of the prizein the event that one of the allotted numbers matches the random number.138. The method of claim 137 wherein the range of numbers is related tothe total contribution amount divided by the product of the contributionpercent factor and the monetary transaction amount.
 139. The method ofclaim 137 wherein the range of numbers determined from the totalcontribution amount is expressed as a currency denomination.
 140. Themethod of claim 139 wherein currency denomination is cents.
 141. Themethod of claim 139 wherein the range of numbers includes one number foreach unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.
 142. The methodof claim 140 wherein the range of numbers determined from the totalwager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denominationin the monetary transaction amount.
 143. The method of claim 137 whereinthe at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from therange of numbers.
 144. The method of claim 143 wherein the block ofnumbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.
 145. Themethod of claim 127 further comprising the step of carrying out themonetary transaction at substantially the same time as the testing. 146.The method of claim 145 wherein the testing comprises the steps of: (A)selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from thetotal contribution amount and the contribution percent factor; (B)allotting to the prize at least one number selected from the range ofnumbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being related to themonetary transaction amount; and (C) initiating the award of the prizein the event that one of the allotted numbers matches the random number.147. The method of claim 146 wherein the range of numbers is related tothe total contribution amount divided by the product of the contributionpercent factor and the monetary transaction amount.
 148. The method ofclaim 146 wherein the range of numbers determined from the totalcontribution amount is expressed as a currency denomination.
 149. Themethod of claim 148 wherein currency denomination is cents.
 150. Themethod of claim 148 wherein the range of numbers includes one number foreach unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.
 151. The methodof claim 149 wherein the range of numbers determined from the totalwager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denominationin the monetary transaction amount.
 152. The method of claim 146 whereinthe at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from therange of numbers.
 153. The method of claim 152 wherein the block ofnumbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.
 154. Themethod of claim 127 wherein the prize is at least one bonus prize of agroup of additional bonus prizes.
 155. The method of claim 154 whereinthe testing comprises the steps of: (A) selecting a random number from arange of numbers determined from the total contribution amount and thecontribution percent factor; (B) allotting to the prize at least onenumber selected from the range of numbers, the size of the set ofallotted numbers being related to the monetary transaction amount; and(C) initiating the award of the prize in the event that one of theallotted numbers matches the random number.
 156. The method of claim 155wherein the range of numbers is related to the total contribution amountdivided by the product of the contribution percent factor and themonetary transaction amount.
 157. The method of claim 155 wherein therange of numbers determined from the total contribution amount isexpressed as a currency denomination.
 158. The method of claim 157wherein currency denomination is cents.
 159. The method of claim 158wherein the range of numbers includes one number for each unit ofcurrency denomination wagered on the game.
 160. The method of claim 155wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amountincludes one number for each unit of currency denomination in themonetary transaction amount.
 161. The method of claim 155 wherein the atleast one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from the rangeof numbers.
 162. The method of claim 161 wherein the block of numberscontains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.
 163. The method ofclaim 127 wherein the prize is at least one progressive prize.
 164. Themethod of claim 163 wherein the testing comprises the steps of: (A)selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from thetotal contribution amount and the contribution percent factor; (B)allotting to the prize at least one number selected from the range ofnumbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being related to themonetary transaction amount; and (C) initiating the award of the prizein the event that one of the allotted numbers matches the random number.165. The method of claim 164 wherein the range of numbers is related tothe total contribution amount divided by the product of the contributionpercent factor and the monetary transaction amount.
 166. The method ofclaim 164 wherein the range of numbers determined from the totalcontribution amount is expressed as a currency denomination.
 167. Themethod of claim 166 wherein currency denomination is cents.
 168. Themethod of claim 166 wherein the range of numbers includes one number foreach unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.
 169. The methodof claim 167 wherein the range of numbers determined from the totalwager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denominationin the monetary transaction amount.
 170. The method of claim 164 whereinthe at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from therange of numbers.
 171. The method of claim 170 wherein the block ofnumbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.
 172. Themethod of claim 127 wherein the monetary transaction is a standardtransaction normally offered on the machine and the prize is at leastone progressive prize of a group of progressive prizes.
 173. The methodof claim 172 wherein the testing comprises the steps of: (A) selecting arandom number from a range of numbers determined from the totalcontribution amount and the contribution percent factor; (B) allottingto the prize at least one number selected from the range of numbers, thesize of the set of allotted numbers being related to the monetarytransaction amount; and (C) initiating the award of the prize in theevent that one of the allotted numbers matches the random number. 174.The method of claim 173 wherein the range of numbers is related to thetotal contribution amount divided by the product of the contributionpercent factor and the monetary transaction amount.
 175. The method ofclaim 173 wherein the range of numbers determined from the totalcontribution amount is expressed as a currency denomination.
 176. Themethod of claim 175 wherein currency denomination is cents.
 177. Themethod of claim 175 wherein the range of numbers includes one number foreach unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.
 178. The methodof claim 176 wherein the range of numbers determined from the totalwager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denominationin the monetary transaction amount.
 179. The method of claim 173 whereinthe at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from therange of numbers.
 180. The method of claim 179 wherein the block ofnumbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.
 181. Themethod of claim 172 further comprising directly or indirectly connectingat least one of the devices to a central system, outputting a signalfrom the device based on the wager that directly or indirectly causesthe progressive prize to increase and outputting a second signal whenthe prize award event occurs that causes the progressive prize to beawarded.
 182. The method of claim 172 further comprising directly orindirectly connecting a secondary device to the device, directly orindirectly connecting at least one of the secondary devices to a centralsystem, outputting a signal from the secondary device based on the wagerthat directly or indirectly causes the progressive prize to increase andoutputting a second signal from the secondary device when the prizeaward event occurs that causes the progressive prize to be awarded. 183.The method of claim 172 wherein each of the progressive prizes isincreased with each game played on each of the main games on a centralsystem.
 184. A progressive prize for at least one device capable ofaccepting a monetary transaction wherein the prize is awarded upon theoccurrence of a prize award event, a probability of the prize awardevent occurring being related to a total contribution amount and acontribution percent factor.
 185. The prize of claim 184 wherein theprize is at least one bonus prize of a group of additional bonus prizes.186. The prize of claim 184 wherein the probability of the prize awardevent occurring is related to the total contribution amount, thecontribution percent factor and a monetary transaction amount acceptedby the device.
 187. The prize of claim 186 wherein the device isarranged to transact a main monetary transaction at substantially thesame time as testing for the prize award event occurs.
 188. The prize ofclaim 187 wherein the main monetary transaction is a standard monetarytransaction normally offered on the device.
 189. The prize of claim 184wherein an occurrence of the prize award event is determined byselecting a random number from a predetermined range of numbers to beassociated with a main monetary transaction, and allotting to themonetary transaction a set of numbers selected from the predeterminedrange of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being relatedto a monetary transaction amount for the monetary transaction, and inthe event that one of the numbers allotted to the monetary transactionmatches the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.
 190. Theprize of claim 189 wherein the predetermined number range is equal tothe total contribution amount divided by the product of the contributionpercent factor and the monetary transaction amount expressed as acurrency denomination.
 191. The prize of claim 190 wherein the currencydenomination is cents.
 192. The prize of claim 184 wherein an occurrenceof the prize award event is determined by selecting a random number froma predetermined range of numbers to be associated with a main monetarytransaction, and allotting to the game a set of numbers selected fromthe predetermined range of numbers, the size of the set of allottednumbers being mathematically related to a monetary transaction amountfor the monetary transaction, and in the event that one of the numbersallotted to the monetary transaction matches the randomly selectednumber, the event has occurred.
 193. The prize of claim 192 wherein thepredetermined number range is equal to the total contribution amountdivided by the product of the contribution percent factor and themonetary transaction amount expressed as a currency denomination. 194.The prize of claim 193 wherein the currency denomination is cents. 195.The prize of claim 184 wherein an occurrence of the prize award event isdetermined by selecting a random number from a predetermined range ofnumbers to be associated with a main monetary transaction, and allottingto the monetary transaction a number in the range of numbers, theallotted number being proportional to a monetary transaction amount forthe monetary transaction and in the event that the allotted number isgreater than or equal to the randomly selected number, the event hasoccurred.
 196. The prize of claim 195 wherein the predetermined range ofnumbers is related to the total contribution amount divided by theproduct of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transactionamount.
 197. The prize of claim 195 wherein the predetermined numberrange is equal to the total contribution amount divided by the productof the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amountexpressed as a currency denomination.
 198. The prize of claim 197wherein the currency denomination is cents.
 199. The prize of claim 184wherein an occurrence of the prize award event is determined byselecting a random number from a predetermined range of numbers to beassociated with a main monetary transaction, and allotting to themonetary transaction a number in the range of numbers, the allottednumber being proportional to a monetary transaction amount for themonetary transaction and in the event that the allotted number is lessthan or equal to the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.200. The prize of claim 199 wherein the predetermined range of numbersis related to the total contribution amount divided by the product ofthe contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount.201. The prize of claim 199 wherein the predetermined number range isequal to the total contribution amount divided by the product of thecontribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amountexpressed as a currency denomination.
 202. The prize of claim 201wherein the currency denomination is cents.
 203. The prize of claim 184wherein an occurrence of the prize award event is determined byselecting a random number from a predetermined range of numbers to beassociated with a main monetary transaction, and allotting to themonetary transaction a number in the range of numbers, the allottednumber being inversely proportional to a monetary transaction amount forthe monetary transaction and in the event that the allotted number isless than or equal to the randomly selected number, the event hasoccurred.
 204. The prize of claim 203 wherein the predetermined range ofnumbers is related to the total contribution amount divided by theproduct of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transactionamount.
 205. The prize of claim 203 wherein the predetermined numberrange is equal to the total contribution amount divided by the productof the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amountexpressed as a currency denomination.
 206. The prize of claim 205wherein the currency denomination is cents.
 207. The prize of claim 184wherein an occurrence of the prize award event is determined byselecting a random number from a predetermined range of numbers to beassociated with a monetary transaction, and allotting to the monetarytransaction a number in the range of numbers, the allotted number beinginversely proportional to a monetary transaction amount for the monetarytransaction and in the event that the allotted number is greater than orequal to the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.
 208. Theprize of claim 207 wherein the predetermined range of numbers is relatedto the total contribution amount divided by the product of thecontribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount. 209.The prize of claim 207 wherein the predetermined number range is equalto the total contribution amount divided by the product of thecontribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amountexpressed as a currency denomination.
 210. The prize of claim 209wherein the currency denomination is cents.
 211. The prize of claim 189wherein the allotted set of numbers selected from the predeterminedrange of numbers is a block of numbers.
 212. The prize of claim 211 theblock of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the predetermined range.213. The prize of claim 192 wherein the allotted set of numbers selectedfrom the predetermined range of numbers is a block of numbers.
 214. Theprize of claim 213 wherein the block of numbers contains the lowestnumbers in the predetermined range.
 215. The prize of claim 186 whereinthe gaming device is directly or indirectly connected to a centralsystem and wherein a signal output from the device based on the monetarytransaction amount directly or indirectly causes the prize to increaseand wherein a second signal is output from the device when the prizeaward event occurs that causes the prize to be awarded.
 216. The prizeof claim 186 wherein the gaming device is directly or indirectlyconnected to a secondary device, wherein the secondary device isdirectly or indirectly connected to a central system and wherein asignal output from the secondary device based on the monetarytransaction amount directly or indirectly causes the prize to increaseand wherein a second signal is output from the secondary device when theprize award event occurs that directly or indirectly causes the prize tobe awarded.
 217. A method of operating a prize award system, the systemcomprising a host computer and at least one gaming environment manager,the method comprising the following steps: (A) the host computerestablishing a win number for a progressive prize; (B) the host computertransmitting the win number to the gaming environment manager; and (C)the gaming environment manager qualifying all messages relating toacquisition data and prize related event conditions with the win number.218. The method of claim 217 further comprising a step of the hostcomputer accumulating monetary transactions for the progressive prize bywin number.
 219. The method of claim 217 further comprising a step ofthe host computer processing all events for the progressive prize by winnumber.
 220. A method of operating a prize award system, the systemcomprising a central system and at least one gaming environment manager,the method comprising the following steps: (A) the central systemestablishing a win number for a progressive prize; (B) the centralsystem transmitting the win number to the gaming environment manager;and (C) the gaming environment manager qualifying all messages relatingto acquisition data and prize related event conditions with the winnumber.
 221. The method of claim 220 further comprising a step of thecentral system accumulating monetary transactions for the progressiveprize by win number.
 222. The method of claim 220 further comprising astep of the central system processing all events for the progressiveprize by win number.